Liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device. An optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged below a semi-transmitting liquid crystal display cell and, thereafter, a λ/4 phase difference plate, a λ/2 phase difference plate and a polarizer are arranged. The orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is substantially equal to the direction which is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axis direction of the upper orientation film and the orientation axis direction of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell. Further, phase lagging axis of the upper and lower λ/4 phase difference plate is set substantially equal to the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids.

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 10/777,166 filed on Feb. 13, 2004 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,970,218.Priority is claimed based on U.S. application Ser. No. 10/777,166 filedon Feb. 13, 2004, which claims priority to Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2003-060986 filed on Mar. 7, 2003, all of which is incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display device, andmore particularly to a reflective type liquid crystal display device fordisplaying images using light incident from an observation side, and asemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device for displayingimages by selectively or simultaneously using transmitting lightincident from a side opposite to the observation side and light incidentfrom the observation side.

2. Description of the Related Art

The liquid crystal display device is thin, light-weighted and exhibitsthe low power consumption and hence, the liquid crystal display devicehas been used as a display device in a wide range of electronicequipments including a notebook-type personal computer, a wordprocessor, an electronic notebook, a mobile phone, a camera-built-invideo recorder and the like. Unlike a cathode ray tube and a plasmadisplay device, the liquid crystal display device is notself-luminescent and displays images or the like by controlling aquantity of light incident from the outside. Further, it is possible toperform a color image display of multi colors with the use of colorfilters in plural colors as light control elements.

This type of liquid crystal display device sandwiches a liquid crystallayer between a pair of substrates (hereinafter, referred to as “anupper substrate” and “a lower substrate”) and visualizes an electroniclatent image by controlling the orientation of molecules of the liquidcrystal composition which constitutes the liquid crystal layer inresponse to an electric field applied to the liquid crystal layer.

The liquid crystal display device is classified, in accordance with adriving method, into a simple matrix type liquid crystal display deviceand an active matrix type liquid crystal display device. Thecurrently-available liquid crystal display device is capable ofperforming a high-definition and high-speed display and hence, theactive matrix type liquid crystal display devices are mainly used. Inthe active matrix type liquid crystal display device, active elements(switching elements) which are represented by thin film transistors forpixel selection are provided to the above-mentioned lower substrate orupper substrate and color filters colored in three colors separately forcolor display are provided to either one of these substrates. In areflective-type liquid crystal display device, images are displayed byusing light incident from an observation side, while in asemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device, images aredisplayed by selectively or simultaneously using a transmitting lightincident from a side opposite to the observation side and light incidentfrom the observation side.

Since the liquid crystal display device is not a self-luminous typedisplay device, it is necessary to visualize an electronic latent imagewith illumination composed of a visible light and to emit the visualizedimage as an image light to an observation surface. A method which emitsthe illumination light such as a natural light (an external light) orthe like from the observation surface side is referred to as areflective type, while a method which emits an illumination light from aside opposite to the observation surface is referred to as atransmissive type. Further, a liquid crystal display device which adoptsboth of the method which emits the illumination light from theobservation surface side and the method which emits the illuminationlight from the side opposite to the observation surface is referred toas a semi-transmissive type (a semi-transmissive/reflective type). Here,a liquid crystal display cell which is formed into a semi-transmissivetype by providing reflecting plates to a lower substrate and by formingopenings in portions of the reflecting plates has been commercialized.As a document which discloses this type of art, JP-A-7-333598 (a patentdocument 1) can be named.

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of one pixelfor explaining a constitutional example of the semi-transmissive typeliquid crystal display device. A liquid crystal display device PNL isformed by stacking various types of optical members described later to aliquid crystal display cell LCD which is constituted of a lowersubstrate SUB1 preferably made of glass and having reflecting plates(reflecting electrodes) RF and transparent pixel electrodes ITO1 on aninner surface thereof and an upper substrate SUB2 having a transparentcommon electrode ITO2 on an inner surface thereof which faces the lowersubstrate SUB1 in an opposed manner and laminated to the lower substrateSUB1 with a liquid crystal layer LC sandwiched therebetween.

Here, thin film transistors are formed on the lower substrate SUB1 asactive elements. Each thin film transistor is constituted of a gateelectrode GT having an anodized film AO on a surface of aluminum andneodymium (Al—Nd), a gate insulation film GI made of silicon nitride(SiN), a silicon semiconductor film Si, a source electrode SD1 and adrain electrode SD2. The pixel electrode ITO1 which is formed of atransparent electrode is connected to the source electrode SD1. Apassivation film PAS which is formed of an insulation film is formedsuch that the passivation film PAS covers the source electrodes SD1 andthe drain electrodes SD2, while the reflecting electrodes RF are formedover the passivation film PAS. The reflecting electrode RF is connectedto the source electrode SD1 via a contact hole CH formed in thepassivation film PAS in a penetrating manner. The reflecting electrodeRF has a function of a reflecting plate and a function of a pixelelectrode.

An opening ST which is formed by cutting off the reflecting electrode RFis provided to a portion of the reflecting electrode RF thus forming asemi-transmissive reflection film which allows light incident fromoutside (lower side in FIG. 13) of the lower substrate SUB1 to passthrough the liquid crystal layer LC toward the upper substrate SUB2side. In the drawing, a symbol Cadd indicates an additional capacitanceof the pixel and generates a given capacitance using the passivationfilm PAS provided between the electrode which is formed as a filmsimultaneously with the gate electrode GT and the reflecting electrodeRF as a dielectric layer. Further, to an uppermost layer which isbrought into contact with the liquid crystal layer LC, a lowerorientation film ORI1 is applied and the orientation treatment in agiven direction is applied to the lower orientation film ORI1. Althoughthere may be a liquid crystal display device which is provided with aleveling film below the lower orientation film ORI1, the leveling filmis not shown in the drawing here. Following optical members are stackedon upper and lower surfaces of the liquid crystal display cell LCD.Here, spacers which define a distance between upper and lower substratesare omitted from FIG. 13.

First of all, on an outer surface of the lower substrate SUB1 of theliquid crystal display cell LCD, a lower λ/4 phase difference platePSQ1, a lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 and a lower polarizer POL1are stacked in this order. On the other hand, over an inner surface ofthe upper substrate SUB2, color filters CF of three colors (R, G, B)which are defined by a black matrix BM are formed. The color filters CFare covered with a leveling film OC2 and the common electrode ITO2 isfurther formed over the leveling film OC2 (only one color filter shownin FIG. 13). Then, to an uppermost layer which is brought into contactwith the liquid crystal layer LC, an upper orientation film ORI2 isapplied and the orientation treatment in a given direction is applied tothe upper orientation film ORI2. In this constitutional example, anopening HL which enhances the brightness by directly emitting areflecting light from the reflecting electrode RF to the upper substrateSUB2 is formed in a portion of the color filter CF. However, the openingHL is not an inevitable constitutional feature. On an outer surface(observation side) of the upper substrate SUB2, an upper λ/4 phasedifference plate PSQ2, an upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and anupper polarizer POL2 are stacked in this order. Here, the upper λ/4phase difference plate PSQ2 is adhered to the upper substrate SUB2 usinga diffusion tacky adhesive layer SC.

FIG. 14 is a developed view for specifically explaining one example ofthe stacked structure of respective optical members in the liquidcrystal display device shown in FIG. 13. On the upper side (observationside) of the semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, theupper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2, the upper λ/2 phase differenceplate PSH2 and the upper polarizer POL2 are stacked in this order.Further, on the lower side of the liquid crystal display cell LCD, thelower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1, the lower λ/2 phase differenceplate PSH1 and the lower polarizer POL1 are stacked in this order thusconstituting the liquid crystal display device PNL as a whole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With respect to angles of respective optical axes in the above-mentionedconventional semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device,viewing angles are narrow and the intensities of the transmitting lightare asymmetrical with respect to left and right viewing angles andhence, there arises a color tone shift in the left and rightviewing-angle directions in a color display. This has been one of thetasks to be solved by the present invention.

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide asemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device which realizesimage display of high quality with no color tone shift in left and rightviewing-angle directions by enhancing contrast and by havinghigh-luminance and wide viewing angles by enlarging viewing angles.

According to the present invention, an optical film having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is provided to a lower side(a surface opposite to an observation side) of a semi-transmissive typeliquid crystal display cell and, thereafter, a phase difference platecorresponding to λ/4 (a λ/4 phase difference plate), a phase differenceplate corresponding to λ/2 (a λ/2 phase difference plate) and apolarizer are arranged in a stacked manner in this order. Here, theorientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxialdouble refractive index ellipsoids is substantially equal to thedirection which is rotated in the clockwise direction by 90° from aresultant vector of the orientation axis direction of an upperorientation film and the orientation axis direction of a lowerorientation film of the liquid crystal display cell, and phase laggingaxes of the upper and lower phase difference plates corresponding to λ/4are set substantially equal to the orientation axis direction of theoptical film having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids. Here, in a case of a twist angle 0° at which the resultantvector of the orientation axes of the upper and lower orientation filmsdisappears, the orientation axis direction of the optical film havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is setsubstantially equal to the orientation axis direction of the lowerorientation film of the liquid crystal display cell.

Further, by using a three-dimensional refractive index control typephase difference plate as the lower and/or upper λ/4 phase differenceplates, it is possible to obtain a further wider viewing angle. Here, anN_(Z) coefficient indicative of a three-dimensional refractive index ispreferably set to −1≦N_(Z)<1. Here, an N_(Z) coefficient is expressed bya following formula.N _(Z)=(n _(x) −n _(Z))/(n _(x) −n _(y))n_(x): refractive index in the phase lagging axis directionn_(y): refractive index in the phase advancing axis directionn_(z): refractive index in the planar normal direction

With the provision of the optical film disposed below thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell and having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids, the viewing angle of thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device can be compensatedand hence, a viewing angle of the transmitting light can be enlargedwithout damaging the reflection optical characteristics. Further, byadopting the three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate as the λ/4 phase difference plate, the viewing angle ofthe transmitting light can be further enlarged.

To describe one example of the constitutional features of the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention, it is asfollows. That is, in a liquid crystal display device including:

a semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell having a lowersubstrate, an upper substrate which constitutes an observation side, aliquid crystal layer sandwiched between the lower substrate and theupper substrate, a lower orientation film which is formed over a surfaceof the lower substrate which is brought into contact with the liquidcrystal layer, and an upper orientation film formed over a surface ofthe upper substrate which is brought into contact with the liquidcrystal layer;

an upper polarizer arranged at a side of the upper substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer;

an upper λ/2 phase difference plate arranged between the upper polarizerand the upper substrate;

an upper λ/4 phase difference plate arranged between the upper λ/2 phasedifference plate and the upper substrate;

a lower polarizer arranged at a side of the lower substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer;

a lower λ/2 phase difference plate arranged between the lower polarizerand the lower substrate;

a lower λ/4 phase difference plate arranged between the lower λ/2 phasedifference plate and the lower substrate; and

an optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids arranged between the lower λ/4 phase difference plate and thelower substrate, wherein

a twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is larger than 0° and equal toor smaller than 90°,

the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged within a rangeof −5° to +5° with respect to the direction which is rotated by 90° inthe clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axisdirection of the upper orientation film and the orientation axisdirection of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal displaycell, and

a phase lagging axis of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate is arrangedwithin a range of −10° to +10° with respect to the orientation axisdirection of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractiveindex ellipsoids, and a phase lagging axis of the upper λ/4 phasedifference plate is arranged within a range of −5° to +5° with respectto the direction which is rotated 90° in the clockwise direction from aresultant vector of the orientation axis direction of the upperorientation film and the orientation axis direction of the lowerorientation film of the liquid crystal display cell.

Further, according to the present invention, in a liquid crystal displaydevice including:

a semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell having a lowersubstrate, an upper substrate which constitutes an observation side, aliquid crystal layer sandwiched between the lower substrate and theupper substrate, a lower orientation film which is formed over a surfaceof the lower substrate which is brought into contact with the liquidcrystal layer, and an upper orientation film formed over a surface ofthe upper substrate which is brought into contact with the liquidcrystal layer;

an upper polarizer arranged at a side of the upper substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer;

an upper λ/2 phase difference plate arranged between the upper polarizerand the upper substrate;

an upper λ/4 phase difference plate arranged between the upper λ/2 phasedifference plate and the upper substrate;

a lower polarizer arranged at a side of the lower substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer;

a lower λ/2 phase difference plate arranged between the lower polarizerand the lower substrate;

a lower λ/4 phase difference plate arranged between the lower λ/2 phasedifference plate and the lower substrate; and

an optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids arranged between the lower λ/4 phase difference plate and thelower substrate, wherein

a twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is 0°,

the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged within a rangeof −5° to +5° with respect to the orientation axis direction of thelower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell,

a phase lagging axis of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate is arrangedwithin a range of −10° to +10° with respect to the orientation axisdirection of the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractiveindex ellipsoids, and a phase lagging axis of the upper λ/4 phasedifference plate is arranged within a range of −5° to +5° with respectto the orientation axis direction of the upper orientation film of theliquid crystal display cell.

Here, either one or both of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate and theupper λ/4 phase difference plate are formed of a three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate having a N_(Z)coefficient of −1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficient indicates athree-dimensional refractive index of the three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate.

That is, the present invention may form the lower λ/4 phase differenceplate using the three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate or may form the upper λ/4 phase difference plate usingthe three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate, or may form the both of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate andupper λ/4 phase difference plate using the three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate.

The semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device of the presentinvention may be also constituted such that by mounting an auxiliaryillumination device (also referred to as a back light) on a back surfaceof the lower substrate side of the liquid crystal display cell, thebrighter image display can be obtained. Due to such a constitution, thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device can have the highlight transmitting property with a wide viewing angle and can obtaindisplayed images having the favorable symmetry in the left-and-rightdirection.

In this manner, according to the present invention, by making use of thereflecting light of the external light or by selectively orsimultaneously making use of the transmitting light and the reflectinglight, in both of an environment having a bright external light and adark environment, it is possible to obtain a bright and clear imagehaving a wide viewing angle and a high contrast ratio. Further, it isalso possible to obtain a color image display of high quality having nocolor tone shift. It is needless to say that the present invention isnot limited to the above-mentioned respective constitutions and theconstitution of embodiments described later and various modificationsare conceivable without departing from the technical concept of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an example of appearance of a liquidcrystal display cell and a twist angle of liquid crystal moleculesaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of thevicinity of one pixel of the liquid crystal display cell shown in FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the first embodiment of the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structureof an optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids;

FIG. 6 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the second embodiment of the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structureof a three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate corresponding to λ/4;

FIG. 9 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the third embodiment of the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the fourth embodiment of the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the vicinity of one pixelfor explaining a constitutional example of a semi-transmissive typeliquid crystal display device; and

FIG. 14 is a developed view for specifically explaining one example ofthe stacked structure of the respective optical members according to theliquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention are explained hereinafter in conjunction with drawings showingthe embodiments. FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of an example ofappearance of a liquid crystal display cell and a twist angle of liquidcrystal molecules according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is across-sectional view for explaining the structure of the vicinity of onepixel of the liquid crystal display cell shown in FIG. 1. Here, in FIG.2, the thin film transistor explained in conjunction with FIG. 13 isomitted from the drawing. Although the liquid crystal display cell LCDshown in FIG. 2 corresponds to a modification of the liquid crystaldisplay cell LCD shown in FIG. 13, the liquid crystal display cell LCDshown in FIG. 13 can be directly used as it is in the present invention.The liquid crystal display cell LCD is configured such that liquidcrystal LC is filled in a gap defined by laminating a lower substrateSUB1 and an upper substrate SUB2 which are preferably made of glass. Thegap (cell gap) between both substrates is defined by spacers SPC. Theliquid crystal LC is injected into the gap through a liquid crystalinjection opening INJ and the liquid crystal injection opening INJ isplugged by a suitable resin after injecting the liquid crystal LC.

Over an inner surface of a lower substrate SUB1, reflecting plates RFwhich preferably have a light diffusion function are formed. Further,over the reflecting plates RF, a leveling film OC1, the pixel electrodesITO1 which are formed of a transparent electrode and a lower orientationfilm ORI1 are formed in this order. Here, the reflecting plates RF maybe reflecting electrodes RF as has been explained in conjunction withFIG. 13. Further, over an inner surface of an upper substrate SUB2,color filters CF of three colors which are defined by a black matrix BMare formed (in FIG. 2, only one of the color filters of three colors isshown). Above these color filters CF, a leveling film OC2, a commonelectrode ITO2 which is formed using a transparent electrode, and anupper orientation film ORI2 are formed in this order. The orientationaxis (orientation axis direction) of the lower orientation film ORI1 inFIG. 2 is indicated by AX1 in FIG. 1 and the orientation axis(orientation axis direction) of the upper orientation film ORI2 isindicated by AX2 in FIG. 1. Due to such a constitution, a viewing angleenlarging direction A is formed. Further, a twist angle of the liquidcrystal molecules which constitute the liquid crystal LC assumes θ1.Here, X—X in FIG. 1 indicates the left-and-right direction and Y—Yindicates the up-and-down direction.

FIG. 3 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the first embodiment of the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention. Above (observationside) the semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, anupper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2, an upper λ/2 phase differenceplate PSH2 and an upper polarizer POL2 are stacked in this order. Belowthe semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, an opticalfilm NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids isprovided. Further, over the optical film NMF, a λ/4 phase differenceplate PSQ1, a λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 and a lower polarizer POL1are stacked and arranged in this order. Further, BL in FIG. 3 indicatesa backlight.

The orientation axis direction AX3 (not shown in the drawing) of theoptical film NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids is set substantially equal to the direction which is rotated90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of theorientation axis direction AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2 andthe orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1 ofthe liquid crystal display cell LCD. Further, phase lagging axes AX7,AX4 (not shown in the drawing) of the upper and lower λ/4 phasedifference plates PSQ2, PSQ1 are arranged substantially equal to theorientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids. Here, at a twist angle 0°where the resultant vector of the orientation axes AX2, AX1 of the upperand lower orientation film ORI2, ORI1 is not present, the orientationaxis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF having negative uniaxialdouble refractive index ellipsoids is arranged substantially equal tothe orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1 ofthe liquid crystal display cell LCD.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 3. Hereinafter, with respect to theoptical axes of the optical members, the counterclockwise direction asviewed from an observation side surface is defined as “+” and theclockwise direction as viewed from the observation side surface isdefined as “−”. Further, the absorption axes AX9, AX6 of the upper andlower polarizer POL2, POL1 may be used as transmission axes. Further,light diffusion means such as diffusion tacky adhesive agent or the likemay be interposed between the semi-transmissive type liquid crystaldisplay cell LCD and the upper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2, betweenthe upper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2 and the upper λ/2 phasedifference plate PSH2 and between the upper λ/2 phase difference platePSH2 and the upper polarizer POL2. Further, a brightness promoting filmadopting a polarization separation method may be arranged outside thelower polarizer POL1.

In the semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, Δnd ofthe transmitting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 250 nm to 400 nm (preferably, 300 nm). Then, Δnd ofthe reflecting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 130 nm to 250 nm (preferably, 200 nm). Further, atwist angle (angle formed between the orientation axis AX1 of the lowerorientation film ORI1 and the orientation axis AX2 of the upperorientation film ORI2) θ1 of liquid crystal molecules falls within arange of 0° to 90°. Further, in this embodiment, in the same manner asFIG. 1, the twist angle is set to 30°.

The phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2is arranged within a range of −5° to +5° with respect to the directionwhich is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultantvector of the orientation axis direction AX2 of the upper orientationfilm ORI2 and the orientation axis direction AX1 of the lowerorientation film ORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX8 of theupper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 is arranged at an angle within arange of −70° to −50° from the phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4phase difference plate PSQ2 and, in this embodiment, the angle is set to−60°. The absorption axis AX9 of the upper polarizer POL2 is arranged atan angle within a range of −25° to −5° from the phase lagging axis AX8of the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and, in this embodiment,the angle is set to −15°. Δnd (valley value) of the upper λ/4 phasedifference plate PSQ2 is set to a value within a range of 50 nm to 200nm and, in this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 100 nm. Δnd (valley value)of the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 is set to a value within arange of 200 nm to 300 nm and, in this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 255nm.

The orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged withinan inclination range of −5° to +5° with respect to the direction(downward direction in FIG. 4) which is rotated by 90° in the clockwisedirection from a resultant vector (right direction in FIG. 4) of theorientation axis direction AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2 andthe orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1 ofthe liquid crystal display cell LCD. Here, in this embodiment, thisinclination is set to 0°. Further, at a twist angle 0° where theresultant vector of the orientation axis directions AX2, AX1 of theupper and lower orientation film ORI2, ORI1 is not present, theorientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF is arrangedwithin an inclination range of −5° to +5° with respect to theorientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structureof the optical film having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids. The optical film NMF having negative uniaxial doublerefractive index ellipsoids is produced by performing the hybridorientation of discotic liquid crystal DLC in a uniaxial direction on abase film BF. Light which passes through the optical film NMF receivesan action of the discotic liquid crystal DLC which is subjected to thehybrid orientation and hence, the light is irradiated as light havingthe direction (the orientation axis direction AX3 in the FIG. 5) alongwhich the birefringence changes corresponding to the incident angle ofthe transmitting light which is opposite to the direction (viewing angleenlarging direction A in FIG. 1) along which the birefringence of theliquid crystal cell LCD changes.

The phase lagging axis AX4 of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1is arranged at an angle within a range of −10° to +10° with respect tothe orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX5 of thelower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 is arranged at an angle within arange of 50° to 70° from the phase lagging axis direction AX4 of thelower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1. In this embodiment, the angle isset to 60°. The absorption axis AX6 of the lower polarizer POL1 isarranged at an angle within a range of −85° to −65° from the phaselagging axis AX5 of the lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to −75°. Δnd (valley value) of the lowerλ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1 is set to a value within a range of 50nm to 200 nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 140 nm. Δnd (valleyvalue) of the lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 is set to a valuewithin a range of 200 nm to 300 nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is setto 260 nm.

Due to the constitution of this embodiment, by using a reflecting lightof an external light or by selectively or simultaneously using atransmitting light and a reflecting light, in both of an environmenthaving a bright external light and a dark environment, bright clearimages having a wide viewing angle and a high contrast ratio can beobtained and, further, color image display device of a high quality withno color tone shift can be obtained.

FIG. 6 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the second embodiment of the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention. Above(observation side) a semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cellLCD, in the same manner as the first embodiment, an upper λ/4 phasedifference plate PSQ2, an upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and anupper polarizer POL2 are stacked in this order. Further, below thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, an optical filmNMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids isformed. Then, over the optical film NMF, a lower three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate TPSQ1 correspondingto λ/4, a λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 and a lower polarizer POL1 arestacked in this order.

The orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arrangedsubstantially equal to the direction which is rotated 90° in theclockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axisdirection AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2 and the orientationaxis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1 of the liquidcrystal display cell LCD and, at the same time, the phase lagging axesAX7, AX4 of the upper and lower λ/4 phase difference plates PSQ2, TPSQ1are arranged substantially equal to the orientation axis direction AX3of the optical film NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids. Here, at a twist angle 0° where the resultant vector of theorientation axes AX2, AX1 of the upper and lower orientation films ORI2,ORI1 is not present, the orientation axis direction AX3 of the opticalfilm NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids isarranged substantially equal to the orientation axis direction AX1 ofthe lower orientation film ORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 6. Hereinafter, the definitions ofthe optical axes of the optical members are similar to the definitionsused in the first embodiment. A light diffusion means such as diffusiontacky adhesive agent may be interposed between the semi-transmissivetype liquid crystal display cell LCD and the upper λ/4 phase differenceplate PSQ2, between the upper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2 and theupper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and between the upper λ/2 phasedifference plate PSH2 and the upper polarizer POL2. Further, abrightness promoting film adopting a polarization separation method maybe arranged outside the lower polarizer POL1.

In the semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, Δnd ofthe transmitting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 250 nm to 400 nm (preferably, 300 nm). Further, Δnd ofthe reflecting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 130 nm to 250 nm (preferably, 200 nm). Further, atwist angle (angle formed between the orientation axis AX1 of the lowerorientation film ORI1 and the orientation axis AX2 of the upperorientation film ORI2) θ1 of liquid crystal molecules is set to a valuewithin a range of 0° to 90°. In this embodiment, in the same manner asFIG. 1, the twisting angle is set to 30°.

The phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ2is arranged within a range of −5° to +5° with respect to the directionwhich is rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultantvector of the orientation axis direction AX2 of the upper sideorientation film ORI2 and the orientation axis direction AX1 of thelower orientation film ORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD. Inthis embodiment, the angle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX8 ofthe upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 is arranged at an angle withina range of −70° to −50° from the phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4phase difference plate PSQ2 and, in this embodiment, the angle is set to−60°. The absorption axis AX9 of the upper polarizer POL2 is arranged atan angle within a range of −25° to −5° from the phase lagging axis AX8of the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and, in this embodiment,the angle is set to −15°. Δnd (valley value) of the upper λ/4 phasedifference plate PSQ2 is set to a value within a range of 50 nm to 200nm and, in this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 100 nm. Δnd (valley value)of the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 is set to a value within arange of 200 nm to 300 nm and, in this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 255nm.

The orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged withinan inclination range of −5° to +5° with respect to the direction whichis rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector ofthe orientation axis direction AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2and the orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation filmORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD. Here, in this embodiment,this inclination is set to 0°. Further, at a twist angle 0° where theresultant vector of the orientation axis directions AX2, AX1 of theupper and lower orientation films ORI2, ORI1 is not present, theorientation axis direction AX3 is arranged within an inclination rangeof −5° to +5° with respect to the orientation axis direction AX1 of thelower orientation film ORI1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the structureof a three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate corresponding to λ/4. In this lower three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate TPSQ1 corresponding to λ/4,while an ordinary phase difference plate is extended in one axisdirection, the three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate is extended in the biaxial direction and hence, therefractive index distribution RD in the film is controlled in athree-dimensional manner. The light which passes through the opticalfilm is irradiated as light having the comparatively small change ofbirefringence compared to an amount of change of birefringence of anordinary phase difference plate corresponding to the incident angle ofthe transmitting light.

It is desirable that an N_(Z) coefficient indicative of athree-dimensional refractive index of the three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate corresponding to λ/4 is set to−1≦N_(Z)<1. Here, N_(Z) coefficient is expressed by a following formula.N _(Z)=(n _(x) −n _(Z))/(n _(x) −n _(y))n_(x): refractive index in the phase lagging axis directionn_(y): refractive index in the phase advancing axis directionn_(z): refractive index in the planar normal direction

In FIG. 7, the phase lagging axis AX4 of the lower three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate TPSQ1 is arrangedat an angle within a range of −10° to +10° with respect to theorientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids. In this embodiment, theangle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX5 of the lower λ/2 phasedifference plate PSH1 is arranged at an angle within a range of 50° to70° from the phase lagging axis AX4 of the lower three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate TPSQ1. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to 60°. An absorption axis AX6 of the lowerpolarizer POL1 is arranged at an angle within a range of −80° to −65°from the phase lagging axis AX5 of the lower λ/2 phase difference platePSH1. In this embodiment, the angle is set to −75°. Δnd (valley value)of the lower three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate TPSQ1 is set to a value within a range of 50 nm to 200nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 140 nm. Δnd (valley value) ofthe lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 is set to a value within arange of 200 nm to 300 nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 260 nm.

Due to the constitution of this embodiment, by using a reflecting lightof an external light or by selectively or simultaneously using atransmitting light and a reflecting light, in both of an environmenthaving a bright external light and a dark environment, bright clearimages having a wide viewing angle and a high contrast ratio isobtained. Further, a color image display device of high quality with nocolor tone shift can be obtained.

FIG. 9 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the third embodiment of the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention. Above (observationside) a semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, an upperthree-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference plateTPSQ2 corresponding to λ/4, an upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 andan upper polarizer POL2 are stacked in this order. Further, below thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, an optical filmNMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids isformed. Further, over the optical film NMF, a lower λ/4 phase differenceplate PSQ1, a lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 and a lowerpolarizer POL1 are stacked in this order.

The orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arrangedsubstantially equal to the direction which is rotated 90° in theclockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axisdirection AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2 and the orientationaxis direction AX1 of the lower orientation film ORI1 of the liquidcrystal display cell LCD and, at the same time, the phase lagging axesAX7, AX4 of the upper and lower λ/4 phase difference plates TPSQ2, PSQ1are arranged substantially equal to the orientation axis direction AX3of the optical film NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive indexellipsoids. Here, at a twist angle 0° where the resultant vector of theorientation axes AX2, AX1 of the upper and lower orientation films ORI2,ORI1 is not present, the orientation axis direction AX3 of the opticalfilm NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids isarranged substantially equal to the orientation axis direction AX1 ofthe lower orientation film ORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 9. Hereinafter, the definitions ofthe optical axes of the optical members are similar to the definitionsused in the above-mentioned respective embodiments. Further, theabsorption axes AX9, AX6 of the upper and lower polarizers POL2, POL1may be used as transmission axes. Then, a light diffusion means such asa diffusion tacky adhesive agent may be interposed between thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD and the upperthree-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference plateTPSQ2, between the upper three-dimensional refractive index control typephase difference plate TPSQ2 and the upper λ/2 phase difference platePSH2, and between the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 and theupper polarizer POL2. Further, a brightness promoting film adopting apolarization separation method may be arranged outside the lowerpolarizer POL1.

In the semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, Δnd ofthe transmitting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 250 nm to 400 nm (preferably, 300 nm). Then, Δnd ofthe reflecting portion at the wavelength of 550 nm is set to a valuewithin a range of 130 nm to 250 nm (preferably, 200 nm). Further, atwist angle (angle formed between the orientation axis AX1 of the lowerorientation film ORI1 and the orientation axis AX2 of the upperorientation film ORI2) θ1 of liquid crystal molecules falls within arange of 0° to 90°. Further, in this embodiment, in the same manner asFIG. 1, the twist angle is set to 30°.

The phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate TPSQ2 is arranged within arange of −5° to +5° with respect to the direction which is rotated by90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector of theorientation axis direction AX2 of the upper side orientation film ORI2and the orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation filmORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD. In this embodiment, theangle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX8 of the upper λ/2 phasedifference plate PSH2 is arranged at an angle within a range of −70° to−50° from the phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate TPSQ2 and, in thisembodiment, the angle is set to −60°. The absorption axis AX9 of theupper polarizer POL2 is arranged at an angle within a range of −25° to−5° from the phase lagging axis AX8 of the upper λ/2 phase differenceplate PSH2 and, in this embodiment, the angle is set to −15°. Δnd(valley value) of the upper three-dimensional refractive index controltype phase difference plate TPSQ2 is set to a value within a range of 50nm to 200 nm and, in this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 100 nm. Δnd(valley value) of the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2 is set to avalue within a range of 200 nm to 300 nm and, in this embodiment, theΔnd is set to 255 nm. Here, it is desirable that an N_(Z) coefficient ofthe upper three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate TPSQ2 is set to −1≦N_(Z)<1 in the same manner as thelower three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate TPSQ1 as explained in conjunction with FIG. 8.

The orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged withinan inclination range of −5° to +5° with respect to the direction whichis rotated by 90° in the clockwise direction from a resultant vector ofthe orientation axis direction AX2 of the upper orientation film ORI2and the orientation axis direction AX1 of the lower orientation filmORI1 of the liquid crystal display cell LCD. Here, in this embodiment,this inclination is set to 0°. Further, at a twist angle 0° where theresultant vector of the orientation axis directions AX2, AX1 of theupper and lower orientation films ORI2, ORI1 is not present, theorientation axis direction AX3 is arranged within an inclination rangeof −5° to +5° with respect to the orientation axis direction AX1 of thelower orientation film ORI1.

The phase lagging axis AX4 of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1is arranged at an angle within a range of −10° to +10° with respect tothe orientation axis direction AX3 of the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to 0°. The phase lagging axis AX5 of thelower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 is arranged at an angle within arange of 50° to 70° from the phase lagging axis direction AX4 of thelower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1. In this embodiment, the angle isset to 60°. The absorption axis AX6 of the lower polarizer POL1 isarranged at an angle within a range of −85° to −65° from the phaselagging axis AX5 of the lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1. In thisembodiment, the angle is set to −75°. Δnd (valley value) of the lowerλ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1 is set to a value within a range of 50nm to 200 nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is set to 110 nm. Δnd (valleyvalue) of the lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1 is set to a valuewithin a range of 200 nm to 300 nm. In this embodiment, the Δnd is setto 260 nm.

Due to the constitution of this embodiment, by using a reflecting lightof an external light or by selectively or simultaneously using atransmitting light and a reflecting light, in both of an environmenthaving a bright external light and a dark environment, bright clearimages having a wide viewing angle and a high contrast ratio can beobtained and, further, color image display device of a high quality withno color tone shift can be obtained.

FIG. 11 is a developed view for explaining the stacked structure ofrespective optical members in the fourth embodiment of the liquidcrystal display device according to the present invention. Further, FIG.12 is an explanatory view of the arrangement of optical axes ofrespective optical members of the liquid crystal display device havingthe stacked structure shown in FIG. 11. This embodiment is substantiallyequal to the third embodiment of the present invention which isexplained in conjunction with FIG. 10 with respect to the constitutionof the optical members stacked on the upper side of the liquid crystaldisplay cell LCD and is substantially equal to the second embodiment ofthe present invention which is explained in conjunction with FIG. 7 withrespect to the constitution of the optical members stacked on the lowerside of the liquid crystal display cell LCD.

That is, over the upper side of the liquid crystal display cell LCD, theupper three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate TPSQ2, the upper λ/2 phase difference plate PSH2, and the upperpolarizer POL2 are stacked in this order, while over the lower side ofthe semi-transmissive type liquid crystal display cell LCD, the opticalfilm NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids,the lower three-dimensional refractive index control type phasedifference plate TPSQ1, the lower λ/2 phase difference plate PSH1, andthe lower polarizer POL1 are stacked in this order. The optical axes andthe orientation axes of these respective optical members aresubstantially equal to the optical axes and the orientation axesexplained in conjunction with FIG. 7 and FIG. 10.

Due to the constitution of this embodiment, by using a reflecting lightof an external light or by selectively or simultaneously using atransmitting light and a reflecting light, in both of an environmenthaving a bright external light and a dark environment, bright clearimages having a wide viewing angle and a high contrast ratio can beobtained and, further, a color image display device of a high qualitywith no color tone shift can be obtained.

With respect to the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment which havebeen explained heretofore, the particularly important point lies in thearrangement method of the orientation axis direction AX3 of the opticalfilm NMF having negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids,the phase lagging axis AX4 of the lower λ/4 phase difference plate PSQ1(lower three-dimensional refractive index control type phase differenceplate TPSQ1) and the phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4 phasedifference plate PSQ2 (upper three-dimensional refractive index controltype phase difference plate TPSQ2) when the optical film NMF havingnegative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is applied to thesemi-transmissive type liquid crystal display device for enlarging theviewing angle.

In the conventional liquid crystal display device which is not providedwith the optical film NMF having negative uniaxial double refractiveindex ellipsoids, various combinations can be considered with respect tothe arrangement directions of these axes AX4, AX7. However, the case inwhich the optical film NMF having negative uniaxial double refractiveindex ellipsoids is applied has not been reviewed conventionally. To thecontrary, by arranging these axes AX3, AX4, AX7 in the manners explainedin the first embodiment to the fourth embodiment, the liquid crystaldisplay device can obtain the high contrast, the wide viewing angle and,particularly the left-and-right symmetry with respect to the enlargementof the viewing angle. On the other hand, when the arrangement method ofthese axes AX3, AX4, AX7 exceeds this range, the characteristics aredegraded.

Here, even when the range of the phase lagging axis AX7 of the upper λ/4phase difference plate PSQ2 (upper three-dimensional refractive indexcontrol type phase difference plate TPSQ2) is set to a range of −10° to+10° from the given direction, it is possible to enlarge the viewingangle. However, to obtain the left-and-right symmetry with respect tothe enlargement of the viewing angle, it is desirable to set the rangeof the lagging phase axis AX7 to the range of −5° to +5° from the givendirection as explained in the embodiments.

Further, as described in the second embodiment to the fourth embodiment,by combining the lower three-dimensional refractive index control typephase difference plate TPSQ1 and/or the upper three-dimensionalrefractive index control type phase difference plate TPSQ2, it ispossible to obtain the particularly excellent characteristics.

The liquid crystal display device according to the present invention ispreferably used for low-power-consumption devices such as a display partof the mobile phone, a display part of a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA) or the like. However, the application of the liquid crystaldisplay device according to the present invention is not limited to theabove and it is needless to say that the liquid crystal display devicecan be used in a notebook type personal computer and various displaymonitors.

Further, the liquid crystal display device according to the presentinvention is not limited to an active matrix type liquid crystal displaydevice which uses the thin film transistors in the above-mentionedembodiments. That is, the present invention is also applicable to athin-film diode type liquid crystal display device, other active matrixtype liquid crystal display device, or a simple matrix type liquidcrystal display device.

As has been described heretofore, according to the present invention, itis possible to enhance the contrast in the semi-transmissive type liquidcrystal display device and obtain a high brightness and a wide viewingangle by enlarging the viewing angle whereby it is possible to providethe liquid crystal display device which realizes the high-quality imagedisplay without a color tone shift in the viewing angle direction.

1. A liquid crystal display device comprising: a liquid crystal displaycell having a lower substrate, an upper substrate which constitutes anobservation side, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the lowersubstrate and the upper substrate, a lower orientation film which isformed over a surface of the lower substrate which is brought intocontact with the liquid crystal layer, and an upper orientation filmformed over a surface of the upper substrate which is brought intocontact with the liquid crystal layer; an upper polarizer arranged at aside of the upper substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer; anupper λ/2 phase difference plate arranged between the upper polarizerand the upper substrate; an upper λ/4 phase difference plate arrangedbetween the upper λ/2 phase difference plate and the upper substrate; alower polarizer arranged at a side of the lower substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer; a lower λ/2 phase difference plate arrangedbetween the lower polarizer and the lower substrate; a lower λ/4 phasedifference plate arranged between the lower λ/2 phase difference plateand the lower substrate; and an optical film having negative uniaxialdouble refractive index ellipsoids arranged between the lower λ/4 phasedifference plate and the lower substrate, wherein a twist angle of theliquid crystal layer is larger than 0° and equal to or smaller than 90°,the orientation axis direction of the optical film having negativeuniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids is arranged within a rangeof −5° to +5° with respect to the direction which is rotated by 90° inthe clockwise direction from a resultant vector of the orientation axisdirection of the upper orientation film and the orientation axisdirection of the lower orientation film of the liquid crystal displaycell, and a phase lagging axis of the lower λ/4 phase difference plateis arranged within a range of −10° to +10° with respect to theorientation axis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxialdouble refractive index ellipsoids, and a phase lagging axis of theupper λ/4 phase difference plate is arranged within a range of −5° to+5° with respect to the direction which is rotated 90° in the clockwisedirection from a resultant vector of the orientation axis direction ofthe upper orientation film and the orientation axis direction of thelower orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell.
 2. A liquidcrystal display device according to claim 1, wherein the lower λ/4 phasedifference plate is formed of a three-dimensional refractive indexcontrol type phase difference plate having a N_(Z) coefficient of−1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficient indicates a three-dimensionalrefractive index.
 3. A liquid crystal display device according to claim1, wherein the upper λ/4 phase difference plate is formed of athree-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference platehaving a N_(Z) coefficient of −1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficientindicates a three-dimensional refractive index.
 4. A liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 1, wherein both of the lower λ/4 phasedifference plate and the upper λ/4 phase difference plate are formed ofa three-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference platehaving a N_(Z) coefficient of −1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficientindicates a three-dimensional refractive index.
 5. A liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid crystal displaydevice includes a backlight.
 6. A liquid crystal display devicecomprising: a liquid crystal display cell having a lower substrate, anupper substrate which constitutes an observation side, a liquid crystallayer sandwiched between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, alower orientation film which is formed over a surface of the lowersubstrate which is brought into contact with the liquid crystal layer,and an upper orientation film formed over a surface of the uppersubstrate which is brought into contact with the liquid crystal layer;an upper polarizer arranged at a side of the upper substrate opposite tothe liquid crystal layer; an upper λ/2 phase difference plate arrangedbetween the upper polarizer and the upper substrate; an upper λ/4 phasedifference plate arranged between the upper λ/2 phase difference plateand the upper substrate; a lower polarizer arranged at a side of thelower substrate opposite to the liquid crystal layer; a lower λ/2 phasedifference plate arranged between the lower polarizer and the lowersubstrate; a lower λ/4 phase difference plate arranged between the lowerλ/2 phase difference plate and the lower substrate; and an optical filmhaving negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids arrangedbetween the lower λ/4 phase difference plate and the lower substrate,wherein a twist angle of the liquid crystal layer is 0°, the orientationaxis direction of the optical film having negative uniaxial doublerefractive index ellipsoids is arranged within a range of −5° to +5°with respect to the orientation axis direction of the lower orientationfilm of the liquid crystal display cell, and a phase lagging axis of thelower λ/4 phase difference plate is arranged within a range of −10° to+10° with respect to the orientation axis direction of the optical filmhaving negative uniaxial double refractive index ellipsoids, and a phaselagging axis of the upper λ/4 phase difference plate is arranged withina range of −5° to +5° with respect to the orientation axis direction ofthe upper orientation film of the liquid crystal display cell.
 7. Aliquid crystal display device according to claim 6, wherein the lowerλ/4 phase difference plate is formed of a three-dimensional refractiveindex control type phase difference plate having a N_(Z) coefficient of−1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficient indicates a three-dimensionalrefractive index.
 8. A liquid crystal display device according to claim6, wherein the upper λ/4 phase difference plate is formed of athree-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference platehaving a N_(Z) coefficient of −1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficientindicates a three-dimensional refractive index.
 9. A liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 6, wherein both of the lower λ/4 phasedifference plate and the upper λ/4 phase difference plate are formed ofa three-dimensional refractive index control type phase difference platehaving a N_(Z) coefficient of −1≦N_(Z)<1, wherein the N_(Z) coefficientindicates a three-dimensional refractive index.
 10. A liquid crystaldisplay device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid crystal displaydevice includes a backlight.